Vicente Rocafuerte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vicente Rocafuerte
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| 2nd President of Ecuador | |
| In office 8 August 1835 – 31 January 1839 |
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| Vice President | Juan Bernardo León |
| Preceded by | Juan José Flores |
| Succeeded by | Juan José Flores |
| 2nd Supreme Chief of the State | |
| In office 8 June 1835 – 8 August 1835 |
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| Supreme Chief of the Department of Guayas | |
| In office 10 September 1834 – 22 June 1835 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 May 1783 Guayaquil, Ecuador |
| Died | May 16, 1847 (aged 64) Lima, Peru |
| Spouse | Baltasara Calderón |
| Signature |  |
Vicente Rocafuerte y Bejarano (born May 1, 1783 – died May 16, 1847) was a very important person in the history of Ecuador. He served as the President of Ecuador from 1835 to 1839.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Vicente Rocafuerte was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. His family was wealthy and well-known. When he was young, he traveled to Madrid, Spain, to finish his education. This trip helped him learn a lot about the world.
Fighting for Freedom
Rocafuerte came back to Ecuador in 1807. He strongly believed that his homeland should be free. First, he worked to free Ecuador from Spain. Later, he wanted Ecuador to be independent from the larger country called Gran Colombia.
Political Career and Presidency
After Ecuador became an independent country, Rocafuerte was chosen to be a member of the National Congress. This is like being a lawmaker in the government.
Challenging President Flores
Rocafuerte did not agree with the first President of Ecuador, Juan José Flores. Rocafuerte led a group that opposed Flores. Because of this, Flores sent Rocafuerte away to Peru.
Return and Leadership
Rocafuerte later returned to Ecuador. In 1833, he became the Governor of Guayas Province. He then started a rebellion against President Flores. Rocafuerte was defeated and put in prison. However, many people respected him and supported him.
Because of his popularity, Rocafuerte was able to talk with Flores. They made a deal: Flores would finish his term as president. After that, Rocafuerte would become president, and Flores would lead the army.
Rocafuerte's Time as President
During his time as president (1835-1839), Rocafuerte made important changes. He helped create a new set of laws for the country, called the 1835 Constitution. He also worked to give more protection and rights to Native Americans in Ecuador.
Later Years and Legacy
After Rocafuerte's presidency ended in 1839, Juan José Flores was elected president again. For a while, Rocafuerte and Flores got along.
The "Letter of Slavery"
However, things changed in 1843. Flores made some unfair changes to the elections. He also got rid of the 1835 Constitution that Rocafuerte had helped create. Flores then made a new constitution. Rocafuerte called this new constitution "The Letter of Slavery" because he felt it took away people's freedoms.
When Flores became president for a third time in 1843, Rocafuerte left Ecuador to show his protest.
Overthrowing Flores
After a short rebellion, Rocafuerte and Vicente Ramón Roca worked together. They successfully removed Flores from power on March 6, 1845. Later that year, Roca became the new president of Ecuador.
Final Role and Death
In 1846, Rocafuerte became the President of the Senate (another important government role). Under President Vicente Ramón Roca, Rocafuerte also served as a special representative to different South American countries. He passed away on May 16, 1847.
